Chocolate Semifreddo

Ultimate chocolate icy treat

Published originally on my blog on 20 June 2012

There are times when I feel I can't write anything about a recipe but the recipe itself. Not because I don't feel like it, but simply because I'm so incredibly thrilled with the actual recipe that I just can't wait another moment to share it with you.

This is the case with the recipe for this chocolate semifreddo.

You all know about my chocoholism, right? I have been telling you about it for almost three years now, so it shouldn't come as a surprise that I chose chocolate as a flavor for my first ever semifreddo.

Semifreddo (half-cold in Italian) is a type of iced dessert that has the texture of frozen mousse, and whereas ice cream gives you that cold sensation in the mouth, semifreddo, even if you eat it straight from the freezer, will only give you a cool and refreshing feel.

Semifreddo is a small miracle of the pastry arts because, even though it's a frozen dessert, it has a soft, creamy, velvety texture thanks to its ingredients and the way they are put together. It is essentially a combination of a zabaglione (eggs and sugar beaten in a bain-marie) and whipped cream.

Unlike ice cream, semifreddo contains only a small amount of water and therefore less ice, without having those pesky ice crystals that are the nemesis of anyone who makes homemade ice cream. Semifreddo's mousse-like texture means that it doesn't freeze as solidly as ice cream thus remaining unbelievably smooth and almost fluffy. And the best part of it all? You don't need an ice cream machine to make it. All you have to do is pour the mixture in a container suitable for the freezer and let it freeze.

When I made this chocolate semifreddo, I couldn't believe how incredible it was. The flavor and texture was unsurpassed by any other iced dessert I have ever made before. S was ecstatic, he couldn't stop eating it, and of course I was filled with pride that I had accomplished making such a wonderful dessert.

And this brings me to what I've said in the beginning of this post; I couldn't wait to share this with you. I hope you enjoy it!

Chocolate Semifreddo

This semifreddo has an intense and rich chocolate flavor without being too sweet. It is creamy and light and gives you the most unbelievably refreshing feel.

I chose to prepare it in a loaf pan because I like the terrine presentation, but you can also serve it like regular ice cream, scooped into bowls.

Semifreddo is very similar to the French parfait but they are made in a different way. I'm not going to go into details but those of you who like parfaits, are going to love semifreddo.